STRAITS OF FARMERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20979, 16 September 1931, Page 16

STRAITS OF FARMERS.

DEPRESSION IN AMERICA. " WORSE THAN BANKRUPTCY." LOW PRICES OF GRAIN. [VTIOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW YORK. Autrust, 19. A farmer in Illinois set fire to liis 75 acres of oats because he could not get more than 6d a bushel, and they cost him 9d a bushel to grow. The incident draws pointed attention to the desperate straits in which the farmers of the wheat belt find themselves to-day, with wheat down to a shilling a bushel, and one of tho most bounteous crops on record ready for harvesting. Tho farmer is beginning to "see red." He is facing worse than bankruptcy and tho loss of his land; he is unable to provide his family with food and fuel iti tho coming winter unless charity comes to his aid. Even in the big wheat-pro-ducing sections, it costs 2s a bushel to produce wheat. Tho farmer has no money to pay taxes, meet current obligations or interest on the farm mortgage. Banks are carrying notes and mortgages on which they can collect nothing, and many of the weaker banks have closed as a consequence. Grocers, drapers, implement makers and other merchants, including automobile and radio dealers, are beginning to wonder 'how long they can last. Doctors and undertakers are finding collections so slow that they are facing financial embarrassment. A public illustration of the general feeling of depression was presented in Topeka, the capital of Kansas, a fortnight ago, when a dilapidated obsolete Ford car paraded the streets of the city, bearing a large painted sign, "We are just a couple of Hoover tourists, going to the aid of Germany." Another demonstration was given at a college celebration parade at Hays, Kansas, in which was a float loaded with men dressed as hobos, bearing a sign, '-'We are Hooverised." Many jibes are taken at President Hoover, such as "There is no doubt about our President being the world's greatest engineer. In a little more than two years he has ditched and almost drained the whole country." Thousands of middle west farmers are wasting no time in grumbling, but are digging in for the winter, during which the President of the American Federation of Labour expects to see 7,000.000 men out of work. They are economising and cutting expenses in every way possible. Many will let their land lie fallow for a year. There will be a big curtailment in the acreage devoted to crops. This should help prices, especially if the Canadian crop turns out as short as is indicated by early season forecasts, and if Australia and Argentina reduce their acreage. One thing sustains the farmer in his outlook: things cannot possibly get worse. Under every law of possibilities, the future must bring changes for the better.